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Iron: The Importance of Iron for Athletes and Active Individuals

The Importance of Iron for Athletes and
Active Individuals

Iron
is particularly important for active individuals, says Dr. Brian J. Sharkey
in his book Fitness and Health. "Much of the iron absorbed in
the blood goes into the production of hemoglobin, the compound in red blood
cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the working muscles. Iron is
also used in muscle myoglobin to transport and store oxygen, and in important
oxidative (aerobic) enzymes.

"Individuals who are deficient in iron risk anemia
and poor endurance. Since only 10% to 20% of the iron in food is absorbed
into the bloodstream, athletes must take in 10 times the amount needed,"
says Dr. Sharkey. "Lean meat is a rich source of iron, and the iron
in meat is also more readily absorbed than that from other sources."